Concierges

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In a hotel, apartment or office building, a person with the title of concierge helps ease the way for visitors and residents in many ways. The concierge takes messages, arranges transportation, and processes requests for housekeeping and maintenance for guests. In some locations, the concierge is the person to see for tickets to a sporting event or theater show. Most are well-informed about local attractions and sightseeing options. It’s a crucial position for the management of the facility, because the concierge can make people feel good…or bad…about the establishment. Courtesy and a can-do attitude are important aspects of the job, along with the ability to speak clearly. You can’t be shy around strangers, and you have to be willing to handle even unusual requests gracefully, and confidentially. Because this is a public position handling people’s private needs, employers conduct thorough background checks. While qualifications may range from a high school diploma to an associate’s degree, work experience in the hospitality industry is a plus. In many areas, concierges may be recruited from a workers union of current hotel or building workers.